Dec 08, (V7N) - Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani stated at the Doha Forum on Saturday that momentum has returned to negotiations for a Gaza truce and hostage exchange deal, following Donald Trump's election as the next U.S. president.

Qatar, along with Egypt and the United States, had been key mediators in these talks but paused its involvement in November due to a lack of progress. Sheikh Mohammed indicated that the incoming U.S. administration's encouragement has been instrumental in reviving the talks, even before Trump's official inauguration.

The Prime Minister expressed optimism, saying Qatar was now working to "get talks back on track," with a focus on achieving a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange deal. Mediators, including Turkey, are reportedly preparing for a new round of negotiations in Cairo as early as next week.

The Gaza war, initiated by Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, has led to extensive casualties on both sides and ongoing humanitarian concerns. Trump's assertive stance on securing hostage releases before his presidency begins next month has reportedly increased pressure on all involved parties to reach a resolution.

Qatar also dismissed concerns about hosting the Hamas political bureau, describing it as a venue for diplomatic engagement and not subject to external enforcement demands.

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